Supreme Court Petitions Allege Police Brutality During Delhi Protests

Activists, lawyers, and journalists detained during protests in New Delhi between October 10 and 12 have filed petitions in the Supreme Court alleging severe police brutality. The protesters had gathered to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and to protest against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Petitions and Claims

At least 15 petitions have been filed in the apex court, including one by the Lawyers Association for Constitution and another by the Network of Women in Media through Laxmi Murthy. The petitioners claim they were dragged, slapped, and physically assaulted by Delhi Police personnel. The plea states that many persons were detained in areas where Section 163 of the BNSS was not in force, without being told the grounds for their detention or by officers wearing no name tags. Detainees also reported being denied access to legal counsel.

Specific Incidents

The petitions highlight that women were detained after 6 p.m., had their mobile phones taken away, and faced physical and sexual assault by police and other individuals while officers watched. Juveniles were held without informing their guardians, and casual passers-by were also taken into custody. Advocate Fidel Tom was detained at the Sanjay Colony police station on October 10 while trying to provide legal help to detainees, and he was reportedly abused and denied medical aid until the early hours of October 11. Another petition details that a female protester near the Safdarjung Flyover suffered bruising and knee abrasions during police action. During these protests, mobile internet services were cut around Janpath and Kartavya Path, while trains, buses, roads, and metro stations faced disruptions.

Context

These petitions bring questions of police conduct and the protection of constitutional rights during public demonstrations before the highest court. Peaceful protest is recognized as a fundamental right under Indian law, and guidelines regulate how authorities must handle arrests and detentions.